Letter to the editor: State needs to be careful on releasing teen lifers

Very careful consideration should be given to the possibility of inmates being released from life sentences for murders that were committed while they were juveniles. With about 25 percent of the overall prison population consisting of psychopaths, it is very likely that some of those offending as children could be classified as having that highly disturbing and incurable personality disorder. Releasing psychopaths would most likely have devastating results, so it is very important to ensure public safety by proceeding cautiously before making any decisions regarding shortened sentences.

Of course, most psychopaths are very clever in disguising their disorder and take great pride in trying to fool people - especially those employed in mental health professions. It is essential that highly skilled and experienced professionals would make any decisions in regard to possible early releases of prisoners who committed crimes as juveniles.

-Andriette Wickstrom, Storm Lake

ADVERTISEMENT

Most Popular

Most Commented

More Headlines

Most Viewed

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Letter to the editor: State needs to be careful on releasing teen lifers

Very careful consideration should be given to the possibility of inmates being released from life sentences for murders that were committed while they were juveniles.